BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

kasey d. ales		settings I am just learning, trying to learn settings. I love to take photos of my children. How do I know what setting to take photos of them to give the clearest photo. Thank you KC To love this question, log in above September 09, 2007

Mike Rubin		Kasey, there are a lot of things to consider befor this question can be answered, such as the type and quality of the lighting and the lens you are using. To love this comment, log in above September 09, 2007

kasey d. ales		how do I find out more on this to better understand it. To love this comment, log in above September 09, 2007

Alan N. Marcus		Hi Kasey, The simplest camera is the “box” camera named because of its box-like shape. These and many of its cousins have no setting or adjustments. Such a camera is possible as long as the photographer is willing to accept severe limitations regarding when successful pictures can be taken. Generally these conditions are outdoors between 9AM and 5PM on sunny days. Additionally these cameras can come indoors as long as they are equipped with a flash attachment. Use with flash is limited to a distance span of 5 feet to 12 feet. Except these limitations and no camera adjustments are needed. Should you have a requirement to take pictures when the light is not so bright, the camera must be equipped with an adjustable lens. Now the camera lens mimics the human eye which opens wide in dim light and contracts to a tiny opening in bright light. The opening is called the aperture. Should the camera be equipped with a changeable aperture diameter, the lens must also be fitted with a focusing mechanism. All cameras are fitted with a shutter. This is a trap door that opens to allow light in to play on the film or in the case of a digital camera, the light sensitive chip. Now the simple camera is supplied only with a shutter that is only moderately fast. We need more flexibility if the camera is to be a superior design. Superior means the conditions under which it can operate are expanded. So to sum up the major camera settings: a. Lens aperture adjustment to permit the diameter of the lens to be altered allowing control of the intensity of the light that will play on the film or chip. This setting is most often referred to as the f number which is a method to spell out the setting via a numerical value. b. Lens focus is the ability of the photographer to move the lens closer or further away from the film or chip. Movement is necessary if a super sharp image is to be had. Focusing is a requirement if the lens aperture is adjustable. c. Shutter speed is adjusted by a clock-like apparatus that allows the photographer to choose how fast or how slow this action happens. Generally sports action requires a fast shutter speed while a sitting portrait can tolerate a longer shutter speed. Note: There are many other adjustments and settings but these three are a good staring point. Also consider that a modern camera has modes. One mode is completely automatic whereby the camera chooses all setting it will use to take the picture. Most modern cameras are sophisticated and feature different mode of operation one mode known as “manual” forces the photographer to make all setting manually. Most modern cameras have many in-between models allowing different levels of photographer participation in the settings. The good news is that each and every camera comes with an instruction booklet that is a must read. I wish you the best of luck on your new found hobby. Alan Marcus To love this comment, log in above September 09, 2007

Samuel Smith		ya might want to just bump your iso up to 400 and use sports mode in auto. sam To love this comment, log in above September 10, 2007

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